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Margarita Cupcakes

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Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

20 servings

Updated: Nov. 29, 2023
My hobby is cake decorating, and this is my most-requested recipe. It is delicious!! If you are unable to find Key lime juice, you can use regular lime juice. —Kerri McMillan, Sylvester, Georgia
Margarita Cupcakes
Margarita Cupcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 3/4 cup frozen nonalcoholic margarita mix, thawed
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • KEY LIME FROSTING:
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons Key lime juice, divided
  • 1 tablespoon meringue powder
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 3-1/2 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • Optional: Lime zest and lime slices

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 20 muffin cups with paper liners. Combine the first 4 ingredients. Beat on low speed 30 seconds; beat on medium 2 minutes.
  2. Fill prepared cups half full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. For frosting, in a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons lime juice, meringue powder and water. Whisk until frothy. Add confectioners' sugar, shortening and remaining lime juice. Beat until smooth; frost cupcakes. If desired, garnish with lime zest and slices.

Margarita Cupcake Tips

Can I make these margarita cupcakes ahead of time?

Sure! Store them in an airtight container until serving. You can also stash them in the fridge. Learn more about storing baked goods.

Can I use lime extract or lime oil instead of lime juice in a margarita cupcake recipe?

Avoid replacing fresh lime juice entirely, but an additional dash of lime extract or oil would work fine. A drizzle of lime oil over the frosting is a colorful addition, too. Check out more tips on adding flavor to baked goods.

What are other easy decorating ideas for these margarita cupcakes?

Try colorful sprinkles or candies, lime zest or wedges, colored sugar or tinted coconut. You can also go with non-edible garnishes, like paper straws or cocktail umbrellas. Want to go even bigger? Learn how to make a margarita cake!

Research contributed by Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cupcake: 309 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.